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Brooklyn measles outbreak ends

NEW YORK (JTA) — A measles outbreak in Brooklyn is over, the New York City Department of Health said.

The department in its announcement on Monday thanked the Jewish communal leaders for helping stem the outbreak.

From March to June, 58 cases were reported — 30 in the Williamsburg section and 28 in Borough Park. All the cases involved adults or children who had no documentation of being vaccinated at the time of exposure because they refused or due to delays.

Three of the cases resulted in complications, including one case of pneumonia and two hospitalizations.

The outbreak had originated from a person who traveled to London.

In May, the Health Department and community leaders urged families to make sure everyone in the household, including young children, was vaccinated. Doctors were encouraged to be vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to the agency.

The Health Department thanked the medical providers, yeshivas, elected officials, rabbis and community organizations of Williamsburg and Borough Park for helping to control the outbreak, with special thanks to the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, Boro Park Jewish Community Council, state Sen. Simcha Felder and Assemblyman Dov Hikind.

The department recommended that children receive their first measles vaccination before their first birthdays, with a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6.

Measles is a viral infection characterized by a rash, fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose. The illness typically lasts five to six days.